Turkish football legend Tanju Çolak recently criticized the management of Galatasaray during the launch event for his book "The Real King" in Nazilli, Aydın. Çolak, who was warmly received by children, expressed his disappointment at not being invited to the club's championship celebrations.
"The club called foreign players but forgot about the Turkish players," Çolak said. "I am the only Tanju Çolak for Turkish football and Galatasaray. A statistical institute in Switzerland ranked me among the world's top 48 players. I have won the Bronze Boot, Silver Boot, and even the Golden Boot while playing for Galatasaray. Why are they not inviting us? You go and invite the foreign players, give them VIP cars, hotels, and attendants. But what about us? Are we considered infidels?"
Çolak also claimed that the club is alienating former Turkish players. "You are not inviting legendary names like Bülent Korkmaz, Tugay Kerimoğlu, Hasan Şaş, Ergün Penbe, and Ümit Davala. These Turkish players made Galatasaray what it is today. Do you find it so hard to respect these legendary Turkish players? Why do you fear Turkish players so much?"
He emphasized that his identity as a Galatasaray player cannot be questioned. "No one can question my loyalty to Galatasaray. I have always represented the club with pride, but by treating former players this way, you are pushing them away from the club."
This is a huge slap in the face for Galatasaray's management! Ignoring legends like Tanju Çolak shows a deep lack of respect and appreciation for the club's history. How can they claim to represent the club's values if they can't even honor its heroes? What do you think about this situation?